This solution targets microcontrollers that already have a USB host interface embedded. In this case, an internal or external USB-to-LAN controller can be used to connect these devices to the Ethernet.

The so-called USB-to-LAN approach converts an USB 2.0/3.0 signal to the Fast Ethernet/Gigabit Ethernet interface through an USB-to-LAN controller used in the cradle or docking station for the mobile devices. Because the USB 2.0/3.0 uses a compact four/nine-pin connector, this solution reduces many of the pin-out connections between the cradle/docking station and the mobile devices. Another, more flexible way is to use an external USB-to-LAN dongle to connect the mobile devices to the network if the microcontroller within the devices has a built-in USB host interface. This will leverage the SuperSpeed and serial bus characteristic of USB 3.0, to improve the performance of the devices.

This solution is suitable for computer peripherals, handheld devices, home electronics and appliances, streaming media, broadband media, and other consumer electronics such as for Notebooks/MIDs/UMPCs/Tablet PCs, ultrabooks, USB to Ethernet dongles, cradles/port replicators/docking stations, game consoles, digital-home appliances, and any embedded system using a standard USB port.